Building Inspector I/II

The Inspector performs responsible journey level paraprofessional, technical, and administrative work in their respective assigned area of responsibility including, but not limited to, building safety; inspect residential, rental and commercial structural building systems at various stages of construction, alteration and repair to assure compliance with approved plans, specifications, codes, ordinances and regulations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Inspector I

This entry level class of the series is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to established procedures. Incumbents are closely supervised in their initial assignments. As they gain experience, incumbents will work more independently in routine work.

Inspector II

Working under general supervision, the position is the journey level in the series. Employees at this level require specific experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review plans and specifications of assigned projects; and attend pre-construction conferences, as assigned.

• Observe work during progress and upon completion; and ensure that safety procedures are followed.

• Monitor, inspect, and approve completion of work done under encroachment permits; and ensure that all specified conditions are met.

• Prepare appropriate documentation, paperwork, records, and reports.

• Coordinate design alterations between City staff and the developer.

• Assure proper and safe installations of routine and complex building systems.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Example Of Essential Functions When Assigned To:

Economic and Community Development

• Make field inspections of buildings and structures during various stages of construction and remodeling to assure compliance with approved plans, specifications and applicable building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical fire and other codes and regulations of the City, county, state and federal agencies.
• Inspect existing residential rental units (single and multi-family) for compliance with minimum standards of the Uniform Housing Code.
• Inspect foundation, cement, framing, plastering, and a large variety of other complex and routine structural building system elements such as studs, joist, rafter spacing and other structural member factors.
• Examine grade, quality, and treatment of lumber, cement, lath, wire and composition.
• Inspect mechanical, solar, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems.
• Inspect swimming pool and structural and electrical installations, including setbacks and bonding requirements.
• Assure proper installation of exit ways, guardrails and other safety factors.
• Conduct a plan review of specifications and engineering data.
• Identify and describe work to be covered by permits.
• Ascertain or ensure conformance to Uniform Building Code and pertinent provisions of state and county health and environmental ordinances.
• Issue permits for work to be performed when assigned.
• Interpret building codes and work with builders, property owners, and craftsmen in making changes necessary to conform to codes.
• Inspect various structural building systems at various stages of construction alteration and repair to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Supervise, train, motivate, direct, review, and evaluate the work of staff involved in building inspection and permitting.
• Supervise, train, motivate, direct, review, and evaluate the work of staff involved in the rental registration program.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staff, equipment, and supplies; monitor and control expenditure.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; write performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• File complaints and/or issue citations against persons who willfully violate City building code and regulations; testify in court as necessary.
• Answer questions and provide information to members of the public; and investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions as necessary to resolve complaints.

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two to six year of increasingly responsible full-time administrative, technical, and operations support experience, depending on level.

Training:

High school diploma or G.E.D. or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and the ability to be insured with the City's insurance carrier is required.

Special licenses that may be required:

• Inspector I
• Economic and Community Development: Possession of an ICC Certification as a Combination Dwelling or certification as a CA Residential Inspector is required within one year of appointment.
• Inspector II
• Economic and Community Development: Possession of an ICC Certification as a Combination Dwelling or certification as a CA Residential Inspector and a Commercial Building Certificate, and one additional certification in electrical, plumbing or mechanical is required within one year of appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a building department.
• Building related codes and ordinances enforceable by the City, including the Residential Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
• Techniques and methods pertaining to reading and interpreting drawings and blueprints.
• Principles, methods, materials, equipment and safety hazards of construction.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Basic mathematics, including Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry, as applied to construction inspection work.
• Basic soil mechanics and geology.
• Principles of engineering as applied to construction inspection.
• Engineering mechanics of structures.
• Methods and techniques of recordkeeping.
• Equipment, tools, and materials used to perform building inspection activities.
• Modern automated and computerized information systems, including use of word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications; and modern office equipment.

Inspector II

In addition to Inspector I:

• Principles and practices of mathematics as applied to construction inspection work.
• Methods and techniques of construction inspection.
• Principles and techniques of building construction.
• Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction.
• Maintenance Environmental - Occupational hazards and safe working practices pertinent to wastewater collection system maintenance, repair and construction including working around biohazards and in confined spaces.

Ability to:

• Learn applicable laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Learn to understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepare accurate engineering records.
• Detect and locate faulty materials and poor work quality and determine the stage of construction during which defects are most easily found and remedied.
• Read, understand, and analyze complex technical information, construction plans, specifications, and maps.
• Prepare technical reports.
• Learn and apply building related codes enforceable by the City, specifically, the International Building Code, uniform Housing Code, and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
• Learn and apply a variety of zoning, general land use and related codes.
• Read and interpret building plans, specifications and building codes.
• Make arithmetical computations rapidly and accurately.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and directions in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner.
• Prepare precise written inspection correction lists and properly complete permit inspection records.

Inspector II

In addition to Inspector I:

• Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, codes and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects.
• Understand and interpret engineering plans and specifications and prepare accurate engineering records.
• Conduct complex construction inspections.
• Provide training to other staff in an effective manner.
• Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Enforce State and Municipal Codes under the jurisdiction of the department.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Enforce necessary regulations with firmness, tact, and diplomacy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility : frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent climbing, bending and squatting; frequent climbing ladders, working at heights, and walking on uneven ground.

Lifting : frequently up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.

Emotional/Psychological : frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.

Environmental : frequent exposure to noise; frequent exposure to dust, gases, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is often performed in an outdoor construction environment with year-round exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is subject to construction site noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery; the incumbents may be required to wear personal protective equipment. Work is performed at various locations.

Incumbents in this class may be required to work irregular hours on an occasional basis, including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel on an occasional basis.